Annunciation

The Annunciation to Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the pronouncement by the archangel Gabriel that she would conceive a child to be born the Son of God. The Christian churches celebrate this feast on March 25, which is nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Jesus, or Christmas. The date of the Annunciation was also the New Year in many places, including England (where it is called Lady Day) and the American colonies.

Related Topics:
Mary, the mother of Jesus - Archangel Gabriel - Christian - March 25 - Nativity - Jesus - Christmas - New Year - England - Lady Day

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According to the Gospel of Luke, 1:26 ff, the archangel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth in Galilee, to the virgin Mary, and announced to her that she had been chosen by God to bear His son, Jesus. She asked how that would be, since although she was pledged to be married to Joseph, she was pledged to remain a virgin. The angel replied that she would conceive through the Holy Spirit. Mary consented, saying "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."

Related Topics:
Gospel of Luke - Nazareth - Galilee - Jesus - Joseph - Holy Spirit

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In Eastern Orthodoxy Mary is referred to as Theotokos. This is a traditional Eastern Orthodox hymn for the day of the Annunciation:

Related Topics:
Eastern Orthodox - Theotokos

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:Today is the beginning of our salvation,

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:The revelation of the eternal mystery!

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:The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin

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:As Gabriel announces the coming of Grace.

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:Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:

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:Rejoice, O Full of Grace,

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:The Lord is with You!

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